As part of the 3-Day Volunteer Certification Workshop in Palliative Care proposed by the Ernakulam Students Initiative in Palliative Care (ESIP), the first-day orientation session “Unarv” was successfully conducted on 8th August 2025 at the college auditorium. The workshop aims to equip students with knowledge and practical exposure in palliative care, fostering empathy, compassion, and community engagement among young volunteers.
Objectives of the Session
• To introduce students to the philosophy, principles, and scope of palliative care.
• To create awareness about palliative care services and their beneficiaries.
• To familiarize students with the roles and responsibilities of volunteers in palliative care.
• To motivate students to engage in socially relevant community service programs.
Programme Proceedings
The session began with an inaugural ceremony. Mrs. Soumya Mathew, Head of the Department of Social Work, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the relevance of palliative care in today’s context and the importance of empathy in professional social work practice.
The technical session was led by two distinguished experts in the field of palliative care:
• Mr. M. G. Praveen, State Convener, Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC), Kerala.
• Mr. Karthik Mohan K. S., Social Worker, Arike Palliative Care.
The resource persons delivered informative and interactive sessions covering the following topics:
• Concept and Philosophy of Palliative Care
• Palliative Care Services and Scope
• Beneficiaries and Their Needs
• Roles and Responsibilities of Volunteers
The session included discussions, experience sharing, and question–answer interactions that helped students understand the humanistic and holistic dimensions of palliative care.
Outcome
The “Unarv” orientation session provided students with valuable insights into the importance of compassionate communication and empathetic care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. The session successfully motivated students to participate in upcoming field experiences and to engage in community palliative care activities. A total of 75 students actively participated in the programme.
